Agus, the oldest son of Indonesia's former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, said Jakarta, which generates a lot of taxes and is endowed with an enormous administrative budget, is more than capable of improving its sporting scene.

"It's mind-boggling that the Jakarta administration doesn't have a proper football stadium, one that brings pride and prestige to the city," Agus said.

The country's monumental sporting complex the Gelora Bung Karno is located in Central Jakarta, but it is under the control of the central government, not the Jakarta administration.

Since the Jakmania are notorious for their hooligan-like antics, city administration and security officials are often reluctant to issue Persija permission to play at home in any case.